Driver CPC Hours – How Not to Get Caught Out!

When I have been out and about visiting customers, there has been some confusion around the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).

It seems that everybody is aware that all drivers have to complete 35 hours training in a 5-year period. For those that did their CPC when it was first introduced the 5-year period ends 9th September 2018 (PCV) or 9th September 2019 (LGV). The problem we are finding is that some customers think that they are up to date if their cards says this date. However, what people are not taking into account is that once we reach the date on your Driver Qualification Card (DQC), if you have not completed your 35 hours of training you will no longer be able to drive for work! This could cause many companies issues with valid drivers but there are two simple ways to check:

1. You can check what training hours your drivers have done via the Government website
2. If you have completed your 35 hours training within your 5-year period the new valid until date will show 9th September 2023 (PCV) or 9th September 2024 (LGV).

With the deadlines approaching fast there is some worries that there will be a bottleneck for drivers to get their CPC hours in, we can help both large and small companies manage their drivers. Remember from September bus companies will be in their final year so do not get caught out for next year’s school runs!!!!

If you need any help or advice please get in touch!

Note:
Changes have recently been made to when new DQCs are being issued.

• Drivers who complete their 35 hours periodic training in the 12-month period before their card is due to expire will have their next card issued immediately, with an expiry date five years after that of the current card  (i.e. if your DQC expires 9th September 2019 and you completed your 35 hours training 1st July 2019, your new card will be issued straight away)
• Drivers who complete their periodic training prior to the 12-month period before their card is due to expire, will have their new card issued during the final 12 months of the cycle on the corresponding calendar date on which the training was completed (i.e. if your DQC expires 9th September 2019 and you completed your 35 hours training 1st July 2016, your new card will not be issued until 1st July 2019)
• For those drivers for whom this date is very close to the final expiry date, the card will be issued on the calendar date, less 28 days (i.e. if your DQC expires 9th September 2019 and you completed your 35 hours training 9th September 2016, your new card will not be issued until 12th August 2019)

Yes I know what you are thinking, that is not easy to follow. I’ve tried to explain it as simply as possible but if you are still unsure just let me know and I will help you out.